Plumbers
Compare 502 plumbers across 51 states — averaging 4.9★ from 513,021 verified Google reviews. Pick your state to see local firms with ratings, service areas, and licensing rules. No lead fees.
Plumbers install and repair water, drain, and gas lines, licensed work in most states, with emergency calls for burst pipes and sewer backups a common reason homeowners search at 2 a.m. Expect $45 to $150 per hour, plus higher emergency rates.
Plumbers by State
How to Hire Plumbers in 2026
For fixture swaps and clogs, most plumbers work on a service-call basis; for repipes, water heaters, and sewer lines, get a written flat-rate quote. Confirm the plumber is licensed and insured, and that permits are pulled for water-heater and gas work where your jurisdiction requires them. Ask about warranty on both labor and the fixture.
Sewer and slab-leak jobs are where costs and scope balloon, so insist on a camera inspection before agreeing to a dig and get the diagnosis in writing. Be wary of quotes that jump sharply once work starts; a reputable plumber diagnoses before quoting. Tie larger payments to completed, inspected work.
Plumbers FAQs
How much does a plumber cost?
Plumbers charge about $45 to $150 per hour, with emergency and after-hours calls running higher. A water-heater replacement runs $1,200 to $3,500, a main sewer line repair $3,000 to $12,000, and a repipe $4,000 to $15,000 depending on home size and access.
Do plumbers need a license?
Most states license plumbers at journeyman and master levels, and water-heater, gas, and sewer work usually requires a permit and inspection. A few states leave licensing to local jurisdictions. Verify the license and insurance before work begins, especially for gas connections.
When is a plumbing issue an emergency?
Burst or frozen pipes, sewage backing up into the home, no water, a gas smell, or a water heater leaking heavily are emergencies: shut off the water or gas and call a licensed plumber immediately. A slow drain or dripping faucet can wait for a scheduled visit at standard rates.
How do I vet a plumber?
Confirm the license and insurance, ask for a written flat-rate quote rather than open-ended hourly on big jobs, and request a camera inspection before any sewer dig. Check that permits are included and that the warranty covers labor and parts.
Directory refreshed April 2026. Listings sourced from public business data; confirm licensing and insurance directly with each firm.